TikTok’s brief suspension over the weekend increased the popularity of other Chinese video-sharing apps, which now lead the U.S. App Store rankings. Despite TikTok resuming operations, apps like RedNote, Flip, Clapper, and Likee have maintained their momentum and currently dominate the app charts.
RedNote takes the lead amid TikTok uncertainty
RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has claimed the No. 1 spot on the U.S. App Store. In the lead-up to TikTok’s ban, RedNote attracted an impressive 700,000 new U.S. users. Even after TikTok’s return on Monday, RedNote held its position as the top app, showcasing its rising influence.
This move to RedNote wasn’t just about finding a TikTok replacement. Many users aimed to send a clear message to U.S. lawmakers and companies like Meta. They signalled a preference for alternative platforms rather than switching to Instagram Reels, Meta’s TikTok-like feature.
Other video-sharing apps also saw significant gains. Flip, Clapper, and Likee rose to prominence, securing high spots on the App Store. As of Monday morning, RedNote, Likee, Clapper, and Flip hold the No. 1, 2, 4, and 10 spots, respectively. Live-streaming app Favorited is also gaining traction, sitting at No. 15.
Bluesky and language learning apps benefit
Social media platform Bluesky, known for its optional custom video feeds, experienced a spike in downloads during TikTok’s absence. While it didn’t retain its top 10 spot from last week, it remains a popular choice, ranking No. 13 on the U.S. App Store and No. 15 on Google Play. Bluesky’s user base has grown to 28.29 million, up from 27.5 million just a week earlier.
Interestingly, RedNote’s localisation in Mandarin has had a ripple effect. Language learning app Duolingo reported a 216% increase in U.S. users studying Mandarin last week, highlighting how the rise of RedNote influences broader trends.
TikTok’s return doesn’t halt competitors’ growth
Although TikTok is back online, new downloads are still unavailable due to ongoing compliance with U.S. law. President-elect Trump has assured that the deadline for the TikTok ban will be extended, but app stores continue to reflect the growing interest in alternatives.
App store intelligence provider Appfigures revealed that RedNote, Flip, and Clapper saw exponential growth during January 2025. While these apps typically had only a few thousand daily downloads earlier this month, they experienced a sharp rise to tens of thousands of downloads daily by Friday.
RedNote emerged as the biggest winner, recording 818,000 new U.S. installs across the App Store and Google Play during January. The app’s rapid rise highlights how users explore new platforms amidst uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future.
As TikTok works to secure its position in the U.S. market, competitors like RedNote and others continue to thrive, reshaping the video-sharing app landscape.
